Classic and Contemporary Poetry
COLUMBUS AT THE CONVENT [JULY, 1491], by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE Poet's Biography First Line: Dreary and brown the night comes down Last Line: And gratitude are due! Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers | ||||||||
DREARY and brown the night comes down; Gloomy, without a star. On Palos town the night comes down; The day departs with a stormy frown; The sad sea moans afar. A convent-gate is near; 't is late; Ting-ling! the bell they ring. They ring the bell, they ask for bread -- "Just for my child," the father said. Kind hands the bread will bring. White was his hair, his mien was fair, His look was calm and great. The porter ran and called a friar; The friar made haste and told the prior; The prior came to the gate. He took them in, he gave them food; The traveller's dreams he heard; And fast the midnight moments flew, And fast the good man's wonder grew, And all his heart was stirred. The child the while, with soft, sweet smile Forgetful of all sorrow, Lay soundly sleeping in his bed. The good man kissed him then, and said: "You leave us not to-morrow! "I pray you rest the convent's guest; The child shall be our own -- A precious care, while you prepare Your business with the court, and bear Your message to the throne." And so his guest he comforted. O wise, good prior! to you, Who cheered the stranger's darkest days, And helped him on his way, what praise And gratitude are due! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SHACKLETON by MADELINE DEFREES AMERICA IS HARD TO SEE by ROBERT FROST CONCERNING THE RIGHT TO LIFE by JORIE GRAHAM THE HEAD ON THE TABLE by JOHN HAINES PSALM OF THE WEST: SONNET ON COLUMBUS: 1 by SIDNEY LANIER PSALM OF THE WEST: SONNET ON COLUMBUS: 2 by SIDNEY LANIER PSALM OF THE WEST: SONNET ON COLUMBUS: 3 by SIDNEY LANIER PSALM OF THE WEST: SONNET ON COLUMBUS: 4 by SIDNEY LANIER DOROTHY IN THE GARRET by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE |
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